Distracted Truck Drivers

Representing Victims of Commercial Trucking Accidents in Chicago

Distracted truck driving is incredibly dangerous, particularly given the size and maneuverability challenges of commercial trucks. Distracted truck driving includes any activity that diverts the truck driver’s attention from the task of operating his or her vehicle. While distracted truck driving most often includes cell phone use, it can also include texting, emailing, using an on-board computer, using a GPS device, or truck driver fatigue.

Distracted driving typically amounts to negligence, whether committed by the driver of a car or the driver of a large commercial truck. The victims of commercial trucking accidents caused by distracted truck driving may be entitled to compensation from the negligent truck driver and his or her trucking company.

The Chicago truck accident attorneys at Cogan & Power, P.C. focus on representing the victims of commercial trucking accidents, including those caused by a distracted truck driver or fatigued truck driver. Our exceptional legal team of Chicago trucking attorneys includes a nationally recognized member of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. We take great pride in our record of successful verdicts and settlements, including a $13 million verdict in a trucking accident case, as well as the enduring relationships we have developed with our clients.

Need guidance after a truck accident? Schedule a free consultation with Cogan & Power, P.C. today. Call (312) 477-2500.

Distracted Truck Driver Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, research by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that using a hand-held cell phone while driving results in a commercial driver taking several risky steps beyond that of using the hands-free mobile phone, such as searching and reaching for the phone. When commercial drivers reach for an object, such as a cell phone, they are three times more likely to be involved in a truck accident or safety critical event. A truck driver that dials a hand-held cell phone is six times more likely to cause a trucking accident or safety critical event, and a truck driver who texts while driving is 23 times more likely to have a crash or near-crash event.

Frequent distractions for commercial truck drivers can significantly increase the risk of accidents:

• Cell phone use: Using a hand-held phone leads to delayed reactions and missed cues on the highway, especially in high-traffic areas such as I-290 in Chicago.
• On-board electronics: Devices like GPS units or fleet tracking systems cause drivers to take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel.
• Eating or handling objects: Consuming food or picking up dropped items leads to lapses in control of a large truck.
• Conversations with dispatch or passengers: Discussing directions or shipment details pulls attention away from changing road conditions and nearby vehicles.

On congested Chicago highways and distribution corridors, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Many people searching for help after a truck accident want to understand the factors that contribute to these incidents. When an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer operator diverts attention for even a few seconds, the resulting collision may cause severe injuries that align with many serious injury claims and, in the gravest cases, wrongful death claims.  Our team can help clarify how distracted driving is evaluated under both federal and Illinois law.

Distracted Truck Driver Laws

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation passed legislation prohibiting interstate truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating their vehicles. Drivers who violate these distracted driving laws face federal civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense, along with possible disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for multiple violations. States may also suspend a commercial driver’s license after two or more serious traffic offenses.

Trucking companies may face civil penalties of up to $11,000 for allowing or failing to prevent distracted driving by their drivers. These cases often involve examining whether drivers and trucking companies complied with federal trucking regulations and obligations related to hours-of-service, loading procedures, and electronic device restrictions.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Chicago

After a truck accident in Chicago, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. Knowing how to respond is important for both your wellbeing and to protect your legal rights. Immediate actions you take can make a significant difference in building a strong claim if you decide to pursue compensation for your losses.

The following steps help accident victims safeguard their health and set the groundwork for their case:

•  Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if injuries appear minor, at a nearby hospital like Northwestern Memorial Hospital or Rush University Medical Center.
• Contact law enforcement to ensure that the accident is reported and documented by the local police, which is critical for later insurance and legal proceedings.
• Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, roadway conditions, and any visible injuries while still at the scene, if safe to do so.
• Collect contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and responding officers to ensure all parties can be reached for follow-up.
• Consult a truck accident lawyer Chicago to better understand your rights and options based on specific circumstances and Illinois law.

Because truck accidents often occur on busy routes like the Dan Ryan Expressway or near shipping yards, evidence can quickly disappear if not gathered promptly. The sooner you involve a qualified attorney, the more effectively critical data—such as electronic logging device records or public traffic camera footage—can be preserved. Ultimately, following these steps helps protect your best interests in both medical treatment and legal recovery.

Cogan & Power’s Dedicated Trucking Accident Attorneys

The Chicago trucking accident lawyers at Cogan & Power are uniquely positioned to represent victims injured in collisions involving commercial vehicles. Our collaborative approach allows us to draw on more than 100 years of combined experience representing accident victims. Over the years, we have recovered more than $600 million for our clients, including several record verdicts and settlements.

Whether you are dealing with complex injuries, a multi-vehicle collision, or losses involving an 18-wheeler, our legal team understands how to assemble the evidence necessary to present a compelling claim. We also work closely with medical providers and accident investigators to ensure every aspect of your recovery is fully addressed.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, contact the skilled Chicago trucking accident attorneys at Cogan & Power at (312) 477-2500 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights following a commercial trucking accident.